A five-year-old boy who walks with prosthetic legs and crutches has raised an incredible £422,000 by embarking a walking challenge.

Tony Hudgell from Kings Hill hopes to walk 10km by the end of June to raise money for the hospital that saved his life as a baby.

Doctors and nurses from the Evelina Hospital in London fought to save Tony's life after he suffered horrific abuse at the hands of his birth parents at just 41 days old.

Tony was left with life changing injuries and needed to have both legs amputated at the knee in 2017.

The Discovery School pupil has only been using his artificial limbs since January, but has been making huge progress since starting his challenge on June 1.

Tony walks up to 500m each day and is storming towards the halfway point ahead of schedule.

With an original target of £500, in just 11 days, Tony has smashed this total and is well on his way to half a million.

Mum Paula Hudgell said: "It's not an easy task for him and each day he marks up a huge achievement. We had to give him lots of encouragement at the start, especially as his challenge began the same time he went back to school.

"But now he knows people have kindly donated so much money and that it will help so many other children like him, he can't wait to get going.

"It's just incredible how much he has raised and it has gone beyond our wildest dreams. Tony however doesn't really have any concept of money and so thinks he's raised £500million pounds!

"The support from people on his daily walks has been tremendous too - people cheering and clapping him on. We are truly humbled and just can't thank people enough.

"We actually thought Tony would be worn out by the end of each day but he still has bundles of energy left. He is so determined though that nothing should surprise us any more.

"As he told us the other day, he's the Hulk!"

Tony, who was fostered and then adopted by Paula, 52, and husband Mark, 55, still receives ongoing care at the hospital.

Mrs Hudgell added: "We can never repay the doctors, nurses and staff at the Evelina for what they did for Tony in those early days, and continue to do.

"The Evelina has become a second home for him and this walk was just our little way of helping them at this difficult time.

"It is astounding to see the money total just grow and grow by the hour."

Donations have poured in from more than 20,000 supporters.

The hospital has also been overwhelmed by the support for Tony's efforts.

Caroline Gormley, associate director of fundraising, said: "We can't thank Tony and his family enough for their incredible fundraising efforts and have been astonished at the kindness of all those that have donated so far.

"Tony is such an inspiration. The money raised through his sheer determination will go towards helping so many other children at Evelina London.

"We are so proud he is part of our family."

The football fan's efforts have also been recognised in video messages from Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta, and the family Captain Tom Moore.

The veteran, who completed 100 lengths of his garden using a walking frame, inspired Tony to take on the challenge.

Mrs Hudgell added: "Captain Tom is Tony's superhero and it was wonderful to receive their support and praise.

"Tony is going from strength to strength on his crutches and gaining such speed and mobility.

"It wouldn't surprise me if our little superhero stood without them by the end of his challenge."

Tony's birth parents from Maidstone were convicted of physically abusing him and were each jailed for 10 years in 2018.

Paula has since spearheaded a campaign for tougher punishments for those convicted of such crimes.

To sponsor Tony's 10km walk, click here.

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